Temporal dynamics of La Rioja village landscapes, Argentina

Abstract

This paper addresses the dynamics of space occupation of villages in the west of the Argentine Republic from the analysis of radiocarbon dates of La Rioja province over the last 2000 years. A bimodal curve of greater intensity was observed in the construction of social landscapes with peaks between 400 and 1000 CE and 1300–1600 CE, approximately. Processes of occupation and spatial reorganization of the east–west vector were identified associated with the use of more stable water basins in Andean environments with a predominance of arid conditions. Remarkably sustained growth was observed in general terms in Sierra de Velasco and Famatina during the period 400–900 CE. Finally, the Bermejo River Basin became the scene for the settlement of La Rioja between 800 and 1500 CE.